March 3, 2015 – Austin, Texas and Vancouver, Canada – South by Southwest (SXSW) and Eventbase, the most trusted mobile event platform for the world’s most recognizable brands, today released an update of the official 2015 SXSW GO app, which changes the way people experience this globally renowned festival. People come to SXSW to learn about the future of culture and technology, and the partnership with Eventbase is delivering a next generation event experience.

This year’s app will offer an unparalleled event experience with industry-leading technology including the largest deployment of iBeacons at an event and a new social networking feature.

“Integrating new ideas and technologies into the fabric of SXSW is always something we strive to do,” said SXSW Director of Technology Scott Wilcox. “We’re excited to work with Eventbase on this large-scale project as mobile has become such an important platform for us.”

The latest advancements in the app allow attendees to navigate SXSW by delivering a more contextualized experience. The in-app social networking tool is enhanced by a new Attendee Match feature that suggests attendees with similar interests. The feature inspires more meaningful connections and enables seamless networking.

The implementation of over 1,000 beacons enhances another new in-app social networking feature, Around Me. An attendee checks into zones at official SXSW venues and the app identifies what’s happening nearby and people who have also checked in recently. The opt-in only feature allows attendees to maximize their time and facilitate immediate connections. Eventbase is working closely with Gimbal, RightRound, and Urban Airship to pioneer the technology at scale.

“We’ve been working with SXSW since 2011, and they’ve always been a partner in pushing the envelope with technology to enhance the event experience,” said Jeff Sinclair, co-founder of Eventbase. “If we can send attendees home with even one new connection or experience they wouldn’t have had otherwise, then we’ve done our job.”

In 2014, SXSW also made their first investment in Eventbase, cementing the companies’ relationship and dedication to bringing the best event technology to the world’s most recognizable conference and festival. Their 2014 SXSW App won People’s Voice Award at the Webbies.

Download the app and check out the full feature set at www.sxsw.com/mobile.

SXSW GO Features

- Around MeUsing iBeacon technology, network with nearby attendees, find venues around you, and see who's performing (New for 2015)

- Attendee MatchingUtilizes the tags in an attendee’s profile to make matches with fellow attendees and amplify the benefits of the SXsocial networking tool (New for 2015)

- Session LiveUsing iBeacon technology, see who’s in the session with you and join the discussion (expanded to more sessions for 2015)

- Attendees (SXSocial)Activate your SXSocial account to network with thousands of other attendees

Eventbase is the leading mobile technology platform trusted by some of the world’s most recognizable brands and the Gold Winner for “Best Event App” at the 2014 Event Technology Awards. The premium platform propels events into the mobile age, personalizing the experience through apps that incorporate sophisticated design, industry-leading scalability, and ground-breaking innovations. Customers include SXSW, NAB, Cannes Lions, the Olympics and Comic-Con. Founded in 2009, Eventbase is based in Vancouver, B.C., with an office in London. For more information, visit www.eventbase.com and follow @EventbaseTech.

About SXSW

The South by Southwest® (SXSW®) Conferences & Festivals offer the unique industry convergence of music, film, and emerging technologies. Fostering creative and professional growth, SXSW is the premier destination for discovery. The event is a launch pad for innovative content with compelling sessions and workshops, music showcases, and film screenings that provide exposure for creators and unparalleled learning and networking opportunities for attendees. sxsw.com